Full Notification

A nationwide program that started in Arlington for three local police officers has reached a milestone. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the “Shield a Badge With a Prayer” program.

In 1989, three sons of Peter and Bernadette Henz had become police officers. Officer Tim Henz was an Arlington Police Officer. His brother, Officer Peter Henz, was with the Cedar Hill Police Department; and another sibling, Officer Pat Henz, worked for the Fort Worth Police Department. Today, Officer Tim Henz still works with APD and his brothers are both Forth Worth officers.

“’The Shield a Badge With a Prayer" program was prompted by the fact that my parents’ days were spent on their knees praying for our safety,” Officer Tim Henz said. “Mom always said there was power in prayer. She believed this was our shield to help us through the day.”

The parents’ daily prayers for their sons were joined by close friends and members of their church prayer group at St. Matthews.

Arlington had about 350 commissioned officers in the late 1980s when their parents began matching each officer with a local volunteer. Those who promised to pray were provided only with the officer’s name and badge number. Other than sending an occasional greeting card through the department, the prayer partner promised not to contact the officer unless invited to do so. Many of the rules set into place in 1989 remain the same today.

Fast forward to 2014 and the program has expanded to include churches and individuals across the nation, including Canada, praying daily for good judgment and a safe return home. Due to the increase in new officers, the program is always in need of more prayer sponsors. To learn more about the program click here,
http://www.shield-a-badge.org/